Epirus

The mountainous north-west, between the Pindus range and the Ionian coast. PINAX follows two crafts here: silver and wood.

Epirote silversmithing entered the Greek National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, and Ioannina silversmithing followed in 2023. In the 18th century silverwork also developed in Metsovo, Kalarrytes and Syrrako. Filigree, called syrmatera, is one of its techniques: fine silver wire is twisted and shaped by hand, then soldered into open patterns. Fakes are plated brass or white metal, and because Greece has no independent hallmarking system, a 925 stamp is only the maker’s own claim. Every silver piece we sell ships with an assay or XRF certificate.

Metsovo was the stronghold of the travelling Epirus woodcarvers, the tagiadori, who worked in family crews across northern Greece and Thessaly and carved ceilings and church screens. Workshops still carve in the town, and the Metsovo Folk Art Museum sets the reference style. CNC-routed copies repeat identically from piece to piece. A spoon touches food, so ours comes with a food-contact declaration under Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.

Both objects are being verified; no workshop is signed yet. Together they make our Epirus box.